Understanding the impact of RTP

The Return to Player (RTP) is one of the most significant factors to consider when you are looking to pick an online pokie. Disregarding the RTP could have a rather devastating effect on your bankroll, so knowing what it is and how it works, could save you big bucks.

Many kiwi players tend to head straight to a game that catches their attention and spin the reels without knowing what’s what. Since they ignore the paytable or perhaps, they haven’t done their research on the pokie of their choice, they can spend months spinning the reels, thinking winning is all luck-based.

Not all online casinos NZ are open about the RTP that is attached to an online pokie, but a quick search should quickly reveal the numbers you are looking for. Yes, online pokies are games of chance, but unless you understand how RTP has a role to play, you are minimizing your chances of winning big time.

Since both new and experienced players disregard the RTP, their bankroll depletes at an alarming rate.

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What is the casino Return to Player?

Also known as the RTP, the Return to Player is a percentage that lets players know how often they are to win at a specific game over some time. What numbers should you be looking for, you might ask? You should look for a high RTP, provided you are looking to win. You can apply the same logic to low RTP. The lower the RTP is, the less likely you are to succeed.

In theory, any online pokie with an RTP of 94% or less is not suitable for you as a player. This applies to online casinos as well. If you notice that a casino is hosting slow games with low RTP only, then it’s time to move on.

This is how the Return to Player is calculated:

RTP = (Amount returned to players) / Total bet amount wagered by players

The whole amount of bets wagered by players corresponds to each bet placed on a definite game over time while the sum returned to the player, is the net amount that is gained back by the player.

Since the RTP is set up by online casinos and software providers, they are also checked by reputable gaming regulatory bodies. If you want to learn more about how the slot game of your choice works, have a look at the pay table.

There is a considerable difference between the RTP of an online pokie and the RTP of a slot machine found at brick-and-mortar casinos. Since there are a lot more online casinos in New Zealand, they’re all vying for your attention in several ways. They do this by creating generous bonuses and promotions and by having higher RTP on their online pokies.

In fact, it is quite common for slot machines at a land-based casino to hover around the 80% mark. On the other hand, online pokies have an RTP of 94% or higher.

RTP and casino bonuses

It is common knowledge that the biggest majority of online casino players use their casino bonus to play online pokies. If you have read our guide on wagering requirements, you are well aware of the vital role it plays in you cashing out any winnings.

Since the majority of casino bonuses are restricted to specific pokie games, you can rest assured that those games have a lower than average RTP. However, if you claim a casino bonus that allows you to spend on any casino game you wish, we always recommend that you do proper research and to opt for games with higher RTP, since you are more likely to meet the playthroughs that way.

There are other factors to consider when it comes to RTP and gameplay. We have already mentioned the House Edge. You could still play an online pokie with a high RTP, but the house edge always comes into play. After all, casinos have to make a profit somehow.

The RTP cannot inform you how much you are going to win exactly, but it can you on the profit the casino is expected to make.

Furthermore, there is the concept of Volatility, which is measured on a scale between 1 and 10, and in terms of low, medium and high. Volatility lets the player know how frequent the wins are expected to be. If a slot game has high volatility, it means that you won’t win as often, but the gains will be more lucrative. The opposite applies to online pokies with low variance.

Picking with slot game to play, will depend on some things, most notably your bankroll and how much you can afford to play. If you are after big wins and you have a larger bankroll, playing an online pokie with high variance and a high RTP is recommended. In general, we always recommend to players that they opt for a casino game with medium variance, so you get the best of both worlds.

How to benefit from the casino RTP

Now that you know the basics and the reasoning behind the concept of RTP, you need to understand how to put it into use. A high RTP is good news, but you need to consider other factors such as the house edge and variance.

For example, an online slot with an RTP of 96% or higher is excellent for you as a player. Keep in mind that if you want to play progressive jackpot slots, they are highly likely to have a lower RTP.

Here are some tips to benefits from the RTP:

1. Know the RTP of the game you are about to play and other factors that could affect your gameplay, such as the variance, free spins and additional bonus rounds.

2. If you are after online pokies with a high RTP, opt for slot games with a low to medium variance. If you are a high roller player and like to make big bets, then opt for online pokies with a high variance.

3. Keep an eye on the availability of free spins, bonus rounds, and winning symbols such as wilds that could boost your winnings twofold. Play the demo game to get the gist of how the game is played and always pay attention to the paytable before playing with real money.

4. When you have hit your win or loss limit, call it quits and end your game session. If you run a losing streak, it means that the house edge is increasing and costing you money.

Remember that these tips and tricks cannot guarantee a win. It should, however, help you reach the best decisions and to minimise any unnecessary risks.

Don’t play to win money but play for fun. If you do win money in the process, it’s a great day for all.

If you are interested in learning more about online slots with the highest RTP, head over here.